Eric Maddy
Huntington Beach, Calif.
Re: Q&A Ask the SA Editors Sept. 28 (Playing longevity of NASL stars.)
Mike Woitalla may have missed one, depending on the definition of "active." Tatu played with the Rowdies from 1982-84, leading them in scoring in 1983, and is still active with the Dallas Sidekicks of the World Indoor Soccer League (WISL), sharing the league lead in scoring with teammate David Doyle as of this week.
Mike Woitalla: Thank you, Eric!
The Brazilian Tatu, who has made his home in Dallas for about 15 years, indeed first came to the United States to play for Tampa Bay Rowdies.
He was 21 years old when he led the Rowdies in scoring in 1983 with 12 goals. He scored 24 NASL goals in three seasons.
Tatu thrived in the Major Indoor Soccer League during its prime and became famous for throwing his shirt into the crowd after scoring -- something he did often.
(If you have a question for a Soccer America Magazine editor, click "Q&A with SA Editors" in the left column of the home page under "Interactive.")